When this family first became foster parents, they never imagined they would adopt. With three biological children already grown. They believed their parenting years were behind them. They stepped into foster care simply to support families in need and to offer temporary care.
Then, everything changed.
At just two days old, a tiny baby was placed in their home. They were asked to care for the baby for about a week while relatives were located. A week turned into months. Months turned into a year and a half. Somewhere along the way, they realized something profound: they weren’t just caring for the baby while family was found—they were the family.
Their journey was, in their words, a rollercoaster. Foster care and adoption brought waves of emotion. Joy and gratitude intertwined with grief for the child’s biological family. They entered the process with open hands, determined to support reunification. They built a respectful relationship with the child’s biological mother, recognizing that adoption is not a story of winners and losers, but one where grief and love coexist.
There were challenges. Early on, they were new to both foster care and adoption. When expectations shifted and permanency became a possibility, the uncertainty felt overwhelming. A seasoned foster parent stepped in as a mentor, becoming a calm voice in the storm. Reminding them, “This is a normal step.” That mentorship, along with the steady guidance of AASK, helped them to keep putting one foot in front of the other.
The child faced medical challenges from the very beginning. Time in the NICU for viral meningitis and recurring ear and sinus infections made the early months difficult. Watching the child grow stronger and healthier has been one of the family’s greatest gifts. Today, the child is thriving and hitting every developmental milestone, making progress in speech, and living the joyful, curious life of a busy child.
The child is described as the “missing piece” the family didn’t even know was missing. The child has brought renewed energy, laughter, and perspective into the home, not only to the parents, but to the older siblings as well. Starting over on their parenting journey wasn’t part of the plan, but it was one of the most beautiful surprises of their lives.
One moment stands out above the rest: adoption day. Sitting in the courthouse before the judge, the parents turned around to see the courtroom filled with friends, extended family who had traveled from out of state, and even staff from the child’s daycare. That powerful show of love and community is a memory they will never forget.
Today, success in their adoption story means continually asking what is best for the child. It means honoring the child’s story, navigating relationships thoughtfully, and leaning on community for support. They remain grateful for AASK’s post-adoption services, mentorship, church, and the foster/adoptive families who continue to walk alongside them.
Their advice to families considering adoption? Foster care and adoption may “break your heart open” but in that breaking, there is room for extraordinary love. It is a journey of faith, filled with hills and valleys. Surround yourself with people who will walk beside you, be honest about the ups and downs, and trust that even in uncertainty, something beautiful can grow.
What began as a temporary placement became a forever family. In the most unexpected way, their hearts and their home expanded beyond what they ever imagined.